Tankless water heater costs depend on the size of your water heater, location, fuel type, and more. Keep reading to calculate your expenses.
How Much Does a Water Heater Replacement Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,246 - $2,342
The average cost for a water heater is $1,753 in San Francisco, but it can range between $2,342 and $1,246. Your pro can discuss tank or tankless systems and if you need any additional plumbing upgrades.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Replacing your water heater can save on energy costs and increase your San Francisco home’s value up to 1.3%.
Tankless water heaters are a popular choice in San Francisco due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan.
Hire a qualified San Francisco water heater installation pro to safely install your water heater and ensure it’s code-compliant.
Replacing a water heater in San Francisco costs about 30% more than the national average due to the area’s high cost of living. San Francisco homeowners pay $1,753 on average to replace a water heater, but costs can range from $1,246 to $2,342. We explore some of the factors that affect how much you’ll pay for water heater replacement.
Water Heater Replacement Cost Factors
Replacement costs for a water heater in San Francisco, CA, are based on factors like the size and type of water heater, labor costs, and more. Knowing how each factor affects the cost can help you budget for this project, so we’ll break down various cost factors to help you plan accordingly.
Size
Hot water heaters come in different sizes, measured by gallons (for tank-style systems) or gallons per minute (for tankless systems). The total amount of your water heater replacement cost will largely depend on the size of your new water heater, and that will depend on the size of your household. Your water heater installation pro can help you determine what size you need.
| Hot Water Heater Size (Gallons) | Household Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1–2 people | $925–$2,750 |
| 40 | 1–4 people | $1,050–$3,000 |
| 50 | 3–5 people | $1,050–$3,275 |
| 75 | 4–6 people | $1,450–$5,250 |
| 80 | 6 or more people, and households with high-demand appliances | $1,700–$9,825 |
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
A traditional tank-style water heater stores water in a large tank that holds anywhere from 20 to 100 gallons. If you’re like 90% of households, you have a tank hot water heater sitting on a concrete pad in a basement, laundry room, or utility room. In comparison, a tankless water heater is the size of a small suitcase, has a coil system for heating water, and is usually mounted on the wall.
The initial cost of a tankless water heater can be around twice the cost of a tank-style heater, but you’ll save on energy costs and won’t need to replace it as soon as a tank-style heater. Your water heater installation pro can help you decide which type of water heater is best for your replacement.
| Type | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank | $775–$3,275 | Cost-effective, larger range of fuel options | Shorter lifespan, less energy efficient |
| Tankless | $1,850–$5,100 | Long lifespan, takes up less space | Limited fuel options, may require new utility lines |
Types of Water Heaters
Most electric and gas water heaters cost between $550 and $1,500, but the type of water heater will significantly impact your cost. A light-duty commercial heater is more durable but costs about $1,000 more than a residential unit.
| Type of Water Heater | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $775–$4,600 | Small apartments |
| Gas | $925–$3,525 | Areas with high electricity costs |
| Propane | $925–$3,275 | Rural or inaccessible areas |
| High efficiency | $1,975–$3,925 | Energy savings |
| Indirect | $1,575–$4,575 | Flexible fuel source |
| Solar | $2,225–$7,200 | Energy efficiency in sunny climates |
| Hybrid heat pump | $1,575–$4,575 | Energy efficiency in garages or basements |
Plumber Pro Costs
Plumber Costs
Replacing a water heater isn’t a DIY job in most cases, so you’ll want to hire a water heater installation pro in San Francisco to install your new water heater. Labor costs for a plumber in San Francisco average from $75 to $250 per hour, depending on experience, licensing, and specialization.
Safety Warning
To prevent carbon monoxide exposure from a water heater, make sure it is properly ventilated. You should also have it inspected and cleaned every year and install a carbon monoxide detector nearby. If you smell gas—which can mimic the scent of rotten eggs—evacuate immediately and call your gas company.
Permit Costs
You’ll need a permit from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection to replace your water heater. The permit fee for a water heater installation is around $200, and your licensed contractor can apply for the permit online for fast approval. Confirm that you have the necessary permit and all fees have been paid before you install your new water heater.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Depending on the complexity of the installation, you may need to hire additional pros when replacing your water heater. If you need electrical rewiring, hiring an electrician will cost $70 to $250 per hour in labor costs. If you need drywall replacement or repair, hiring a drywall installer will cost an average of $1.30 to $2.75 per square foot for labor plus the cost of materials.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 30,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Do Water Heater Replacements Increase Home Value?
Installing a new water heater can offer a good return on investment of 50% to 90%, depending on the type of heater and how energy efficient it is. A tankless water heater can increase your home’s value by up to 1.3% in San Francisco, since this type of water heater is becoming a more popular feature for prospective home buyers due to its energy savings and long lifespan. A newly replaced water heater is a plus when selling your home, since it’s a significant expense that buyers won’t need to worry about for years to come.
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